John Ashborn Guitars and Banjos

Subject: John Ashborn Guitars and Banjos
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 28 Oct 05 - 05:01 PM

Being a catter who lives one town away from this historic Luthier's shop , I thought it would be fun to ask if anyone has seen or heard of his work. In Gura and Bollmans book "The American Instument " they mention that Ashborn made more guitars in his few decades open (1840's and 50's )then Martin did in the whole 19th century . I would love to see one of his banjos. I did get up close and almost personal to one when that great show came to the Katonah New York Museum . Lots of glass in the way though . Ashborns work is very thought out , If I could spell sucinct I might use the word to discribe his thinking as a musical instrument designer .
                Anyway any stories here would be very interesting to read . All the best , Guy
There is someone making a remake of his famous early banjo . Have a look .
http://www.minstrelbanjo.com/Ashbornindex.html

Subject: RE: John Ashborn Guitars and Banjos
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 28 Oct 05 - 07:26 PM

The important sentence I left out here( sorry) was that Ashbore was also one of the earliest Maufactuaries (not home made but made in a shop) of banjos in the USA .

            All the best , guy

Subject: RE: John Ashborn Guitars and Banjos
From: Leadfingers
Date: 28 Oct 05 - 07:40 PM

Guy - Sorry to have to admit it , but I have never of the brand ! But then . I am only a Bad Banjo Basher in UK !!

Subject: RE: John Ashborn Guitars and Banjos
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 28 Oct 05 - 09:01 PM

Not many people have heard of Ashborn . Leadfingers have a look at " The American Instroment " by Phillip F Gura and James F Bollman . Published by Chapel Hill press . It gives a very broad picture of banjo making in the 19th century in the USA . Anyone interested in the subject will love this book .
               I live ten miles away from where the shop was and I didnt even know about him .I had a Guitar made by Ashborn but didnt know till I lucked into helping the museum with a pottery problem . There was a case like a giutar I had and there you go ><><><> Holy cow I have an1840 guitar made in my home county . !!!   Ya Hoo . !!